Criss-crossing woodlands throughout New England, stone walls stand quietly whispering stories to those who listen. These centuries-old historical markers indicate that land was previously cleared for agricultural use. Now overgrown and often hidden by thick undergrowth and tree roots, and covered with lichens, stone walls tell a story of geology, changing land uses, natural plant succession, and renewal.

Greater Boston

Broadmoor, Natick – Mill Lane runs between two beautiful stone walls that once marked the passage for wagons carrying corn to be ground in the gristmill. A huge old shagbark hickory stands beside the wall, located near signpost #7 on Glacial Hill Trail.

Drumlin Farm, Lincoln – Start at the Nature Center for a close-up look at a newly constructed wall that frames a hilltop view, then follow Drumlin Loop trail to discover original farm walls now serving as wildlife habitat.

Oak Knoll, Attleboro – A hike along the trail to Lake Talaquega passes several stone walls. One favorite wends is located in woods where the understory dramatically changes from sun-dappled open, mixed forest to one filled with dense wetland plants and shrubs, with the wall bordering both habitats. 

North Shore

Ipswich River, Topsfield – Hike Bradstreet Lane Trail, alongside a stonewall that dates to the 1700s when livestock grazed the open landscape. Today, the walls provide habitat for the eastern chipmunk, white-footed mouse, and gray and red squirrels.

South Shore, Cape and Islands

Allens Pond, Dartmouth – Varied stone walls define bygone and remaining fields and ancient roadways, and form an impressive bulwark of entry points along Horseneck Road. Some were single-stacked or "tossed" by farmers; others were cut-stone constructed. Most have been lovingly restored by a dedicated volunteer.

Felix Neck, Edgartown – Follow the Green Trail to newly uncovered Old Stone Amphitheater. Explore the granite stone foundation and wonder how and who built and used this structure.

Long Pasture, Barnstable – At Site 8 along the Lichen Trail, walk along a stone wall and discover both crusty lichens and several leafy species that prefer rocks. A good example is rocky greenshield lichen, which is leafy and yellow-green.

Western & Central MA

Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Williamsburg – The stone wall viewed from the loop trail tells a tale of human toil and industriousness. The farmers are long gone, but moose, bear, and bobcat cross that trail now. 

Wachusett Meadow, Princeton – Look for a six-foot-long cantilevered stone in an ancient wall that steeply ascends Brown Hill. The stone extends into the air from a small ledge top and once prevented sheep from falling.